SE 5a

Th Scout Experimental No. 5 was introduced into combat on March 13, 1917 by No. 56 Squadron R.F.C.  It had a "bulit in" stability that made it an excellent gun platform.  In the hands of aces like Albert Ball, Billy Bishop, James McCudden, "Mick" Mannock and others, it established an unparalled reputation as a fighter.  The SE 5 and 5A were, however, handicapped by poorly manufactured engines.  Powered by license-built 150hp Hispano-Suiza and, later, by 200hp Wolsley Viper engines, the SE 5A was armed with a single cowl-mounted Vickers machine gun and a drum-fed Lewis gun mounted on the center section of the top wing.  Importantly, pilots put their complete trust in its ability to dive and still keep its wings on after pulling out at low level.